This section helps you understand what happens if social workers say they are concerned about the care of your child and are conducting a child protection enquiry to ensure your child is safe.

Child protection enquiries have to be started when someone believes a child is either suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.

The child protection enquiry aims to find out what might have happened to your child, how to help your child and family and to decide what should happen to protect the child.

If an enquiry is underway about your children, or children you care for, you are bound to find this a very difficult and upsetting time. You may well be concerned that your child will be taken away. You, therefore, need to know that most children who are the subject of an enquiry remain living with family or relatives.

An enquiry is likely to cause anxiety for your family. Please always:

• be aware of your child's needs
• be reassuring to your child
• be patient
• remain calm
• be open and honest

To find out about the different stages of the enquiry use the menu at the top.

Frequently asked questions

What does the law say?

The law requires Social Services to investigate whether a child is safe whenever a report is made that he or she might not be. If they have any reason to believe your child is at risk from any form of abuse then they must make checks.

There is an explanation in the glossary section of what is meant by abuse.

The law also says that Social Services must work in partnership with parents and carers and keep them involved with what is happening. If parents are unwilling to co-operate and Social Services believe a child is in immediate danger, they will involve the Police or courts to gain access to the child.

If you have any doubts about the identity of a social worker, please ask to see their official identification or phone your local Team to check they are who they say they are.